Rio Carnival 2010 PHOTOS: The Most Over-The-Top Moments

Rio Carnival is once again rocking Brazil in all its outrageous, over-the-top glory.

The carnival, like Mardi Gras, is a pre-Lent party, designed to get some fun in before 40 days of sacrifice and abstinence. The event dates back to 1723. This year's carnival kicked off Saturday the 13th.

Despite notable difficulties this year, not least the stifling heat (106 Fahrenheit on Tuesday), dancers and revelers put on a spectacular, if sweaty, show.

Below are some of our pics of the floats, costumes, and samba schools performing in the 'Sambadrome.' Let us know what you think best shows off the carnival spirit.

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A member of Beija Flor samba school performs on a float during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Monday, Feb. 15, 2010.

A member of Beija Flor samba school performs on a float during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Monday, Feb. 15, 2010.

A member of Beija Flor samba school performs on a float during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Monday, Feb. 15, 2010.

Members of Salgueiro samba school perform during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Monday, Feb. 15, 2010.

Dancers of Viradouro samba school perform during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Monday, Feb. 15, 2010.

Members of Unidos da Tijuca samba school perform during carnival celebrations at the Sambodrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Monday, Feb. 15, 2010.

Members of Unidos da Tijuca samba school perform during carnival celebrations at the Sambodrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Monday, Feb. 15, 2010.

A dancer, impersonating Michael Jackson, performs as he parades with the Unidos da Tijuca samba school during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Monday, Feb. 15, 2010.

A dancer performs on an Uniao da Ilha samba school float during carnival parade at the Sambadrome, in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.

Dancers perform on an Uniao da Ilha samba school float during carnival parade at the Sambadrome, in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.

A member of Mangueira samba school parades during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010.

Members of Mangueira samba school perform during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010.

A member of Vila Isabel samba school parades during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010.

A member of Portela samba school performs during a carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010.

Members of Portela samba school perform during a carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010.

Members of Portela samba school parade during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010.

Dancers of Mocidade samba school perform during carnival parade at the Sambadrome, in Rio de Janeiro, Monday, Feb.15, 2010.

A member of Portela samba school looks on during a carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010.

Dancers of the Porto da Pedra samba school perform during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010.

Members of Grande Rio samba school parade during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, early Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010.